"I was always obsessed with this idea when writing the album, just how, almost in like sort of an existential way, no matter what we do and where we go, when all is said and done, at the very end of it all, we go back to the way it was in the very, very beginning."

At this point in his career, Peter Frampton could have tossed out a second instrumental album and won another Grammy. Thankfully, this time out, he played his heart in addition to his axe, creating what could be the best album of his career.

Slash's first solo album shows continuity and expert songwriting despite all of the musical influences involved. But despite its being a solid release, the old school rock 'n' roll can sometimes get a little too reliable.